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Highlights

All entrance fees included

Explore the local streets on a walking tour of the city

Get inside tips from a local

Informative, friendly and professional guide

Led by a local guide

Lunch included

Perfect introduction for first-time visitors

Small group ensures personal service

Small-group tour

Soak up the atmosphere on a walking tour

Overview

Begin your Kathmandu cultural experience in Thamel, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable local guide and walk to Swayambhunath. Follow in the footsteps of Hindu and Buddhist devotees as you approach this holy stupa, the oldest in Nepal.

You’ll learn how this place is affectionately called ‘Monkey Temple’ by the locals, as there is a large troupe of monkeys guarding the hills and amusing visitors with tricks, such as sliding down the banisters of the main stairway to the temple.

From the hilltop setting, enjoy a beautiful bird’s-eye view of Kathmandu and the valley below before entering this mound-like structure.

Containing Buddhist and Hindu relics, typically the ashes of deceased, this temple is used as a place of meditation. As you explore the interior, you’ll be mesmerized by the wafts of incense, hypnotic chants of prayers and surreal sounds of ringing bells.

After being spiritually awakened, follow your guide on a stroll through the maze of backstreets to Durbar Square, where you’ll find numerous centuries-old temples, courtyards and markets selling crafts and fresh produce.

With some assistance from your guide, purchase your choice of vegetables, aromatic spices and any other ingredients you like (own expense), which you’ll use as ingredients for your home-cooked lunch. Once you’ve gathered everything, you’ll head to a local family’s home.

Your host family will reveal the secrets of Nepalese cooking as you enjoy a hands-on culinary experience in their kitchen. Then, relax and enjoy your meal while conversing with the locals with the help of your guide. After your meal, you’ll say goodbye and head back to your original departure point to conclude your tour.

Information

Includes:

Local English speaking guide

Entry fees to Swoyambhunath & Kathmandu Durbar Square

Meal and meal preparation with local family.

Excludes:

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Purchase of ingredients and drinks for lunch

Gratuities (optional)

Additional Info:

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Please note that dress codes are conservative throughout Kathmandu; modest and respectful clothing that covers the shoulders and knees are recommended

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.